After the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences announced they would launch an investigation into the Best Actress Oscar nomination of Andrea Riseborough, many immediately began speaking out against the Academy. One of the most vocal opponents of their decision is Christina Ricci, who has called the investigation “elitist” and “backward.”
Christina Ricci took to Instagram to defend Andrea Riseborough and her Oscar nomination, at the same time blasting the Academy and the tradition of overblown ad campaigns. “Seems hilarious that the ‘surprise nomination’ (meaning tons of money wasn’t spent to position this actress) of a legitimately brilliant performance is being met with an investigation. So it’s only the films and actors that can afford the campaigns that deserve recognition? Feels elitist and exclusive and frankly very backward to me.” Ricci added, “And I’m sure she had nothing to do with the campaigning. These things aren’t controlled or decided by the actors themselves and yet now her nomination will be tainted by this. And if it’s taken away shame on them.”
Andrea Riseborough’s Oscar nomination–stemming from a grassroots social media campaign–was indeed a surprise, as To Leslie wasn’t on many pundits’ predictions. And while it’s very unlikely the Academy will strip Riseborough of her first nomination, the investigation itself is far more insulting than they’re painting it as.
Following Andrea Riseborough’s Oscar nomination, the Academy made a statement that said, in part, “It is the Academy’s goal to ensure that the Awards competition is conducted in a fair and ethical manner, and we are committed to ensuring an inclusive awards process.” This alone would support Ricci’s claims that the Academy is “elitist”, with it reading as the Academy themselves suggesting that “inclusive” only means being “included” within the traditional Oscar campaign process, especially considering the timing of the investigation. “We have confidence in the integrity of our nomination and voting procedures, and support genuine grassroots campaigns for outstanding performances.” Then why, of all years, bring this up? Social media isn’t exactly new, even in terms of promoting films?
The Academy has had its share of controversy even in just the past year, so this is just one more bad look for them.
What do you think of Christia Ricci’s take on the Academy’s investigation? Does Andrea Riseborough’s Oscar nomination deserve any scrutiny? Let us know your take in the comments section below.